IntroductionWhat is it about Tsumeb that captures ones imagination?
It is the captivating desciption of the discovery and development of the mine. But it is also,
perhaps primarily, the uniqueness of its rich mineral diversity. This is due to several geological factors, one of which was the existence of three oxidation zones discovered during mining. Tsumeb offers one of the
greatest varieties of mineral assemblages known.
Up to know, 242 species were found, plus 38 still unknown species. Of the 52 minerals discovered at Tsumeb, 40 are known to occur solely there. But not only the rare finds boast of superlatives. The
crystallization of most minerals is so perfect and aesthetic that 65 species from Tsumeb display the finest crystals known from any deposit. Of these, 37 species have been found as spectacular, macroscopic
crystals, unrivaled by any other locality.
Adding the "best of species" to the minerals unique to Tsumeb, would produce a total of 105 minerals qualifying for the world’s best for the
species. Tsumeb pseudomorphs are also outstanding. They are represented by 65 different types, which is far ahead of all known mineral localities.
Many localities have produced specimens generally considered to be
the finest of the species ever found. However, most of the localities are known only for one or two species of this qaulity. In contrary, Tsumeb exhibits more outstanding mineral specimens than most
localities even contain minerals.These minerals provide a benchmark for every collector of minerals.